Gamma Radiation Collimator with Inclined Holes for Shallow Lesion Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gamma radiation imaging systems, such as those used in scintimammography, have a limited field of view close to the collimator part, which results in inadequate imaging of shallow lying regions, such as tumorous lesions in the breast.
Innovation Solution
A collimator part design that includes multiple inclined holes with sight lines crossing a virtual normal plane inward of the planar incident surface, enhancing the field of view by allowing gamma radiation from shallow lying regions to be effectively imaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dual slant hole collimator part is used with sight lines crossing the normal plane outward of the incident surface, then depth resolution is improved, but the field of view for shallow lying regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator part is divided into different sections with different hole configurations. A first section has holes with sight lines crossing the normal plane outward of the incident surface for depth resolution, while a second section has holes with sight lines crossing inward of the incident surface for enhanced field of view. Each section provides locally optimized quality for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator part is segmented into multiple independent sections, each with distinct hole arrangements and crossing point characteristics. This segmentation allows simultaneous implementation of multiple hole configurations within a single collimator part, enabling both depth resolution and enhanced field of view without compromising either function.
2Measurement precision
If the crossing position of sight lines is positioned outward of the planar incident surface, then good depth resolution is achieved, but shallow lying regions cannot be imaged satisfactorily
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the collimator part provide different local qualities: the first section optimizes for depth resolution with outward crossing points, while the second section optimizes for shallow region imaging with inward crossing points. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate crossing point configuration for each specific imaging requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single uniform hole configuration to multiple configurations with crossing points positioned in different spatial locations relative to the incident surface. By utilizing the third dimension (position relative to the incident surface), the invention achieves both outward and inward crossing points, simultaneously satisfying both depth resolution and shallow region imaging requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple inclined holes with inward crossing points are added to the collimator part, then the field of view is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hole configurations with different crossing point characteristics are merged into a single collimator part. The first section with outward crossing holes and the second section with inward crossing holes are combined in one integrated structure, achieving enhanced field of view without requiring multiple separate collimator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator part is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device performs both depth resolution (via first section holes) and enhanced field of view (via second section holes). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized collimator parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The enhanced collimator part design provides a larger and more effective field of view, improving the detection and imaging of shallow lying regions of interest, such as tumorous lesions in breast tissue.
Implementation Method 1
In gamma radiation imaging, a collimator part is used for forming an image on the detector of a gamma camera. Gamma radiation passes from the body part through the first and second holes onto a detector of the gamma camera when an image is made.
Data Source
AI summary
A collimator part for in a gamma radiation imaging system, for example for scintimammography, comprises a plate with a planar incident surface at a front side and a rear surface at a rear side. A virtual normal plane extends perpendicular to the plate. Multiple inclined first and second holes extend through the plate from a position on the rear surface on a respective first or second side of the normal plane. Each of the first and second holes has a sight line extending along the hole from the rear surface to the planar incident surface and outwards beyond the planar incident surface. For at least one first hole and for at least one second hole a respective crossing position with the normal plane is positioned inward of the planar incident surface, e.g. in a groove at the front side.